Created in 2011 as a resource center, MAFA Chicago was launched by four co-founders: Kandace Barker, business development lead, Jessica Jones, event planning lead, Ashley McGowan, general operations lead, and Nicole Mitchell, communications, diversity outreach lead to advocate diversity and inclusion within the marketing, advertising, and communications industry.

"As I look back on the initial goals we had when embarking on this journey, I am so excited with what we have accomplished," said McGowan. "Our hope was to simply connect diverse professionals, and today we have accomplished that while uplifting, honoring, and mentoring along the way. I look forward to celebrating with our industry partners and volunteer committee team, as none of this would have been at all possible without them."

As the digital divide narrows between a diverse consumer market and the general market, MAFA Chicago aims to leverage progressive and high-impact thought leadership by connecting top diverse talent with Chicago's most reputable agencies and companies.

"We are thrilled to celebrate yet another year of MAFA Chicago's growth and reach," said Mitchell. "It has been truly rewarding to start a movement and resource center that has connected so many diverse individuals within the communications industry."

This year, MAFA Turns 3 Anniversary Celebration will be sponsored by Pandora, FCB Chicago, Leo Burnett Group, Edelman and YuMe; and will take place at The Drake Hotel Chicago, 140 E. Walton Place, starting at 6 PM on July 31, 2014. The evening of entertainment will include networking opportunities, a DJ booth sponsored by Pandora, Leo Burnett signature cocktails, MillerCoors beer, and a photo booth sponsored by Edelman. To attend the free event, register at www.mafaturns3.splashthat.com.

"As co-founders, we feel that it is important to celebrate everyone involved in shaping, evolving, and making our mission a reality," said Jones. "We celebrate our sponsors for providing the resources needed to create invaluable events, our members for supporting us through active participation, and our advisors for challenging us to think outside of the box."

MAFA Chicago aims to continue advancing and promoting diversity within the industry by providing its members with professional development and mentorship opportunities, job placement, industry immersion, and networking events such as MAFA Mixers Series and MAFA Mentors.

About MAFA ChicagoIn 2011, MAFA was created as a resource center to advocate diversity and inclusion within the marketing, advertising, and communications industries. The organization recognizes the achievement gap for diverse professionals and works to create opportunities for emerging professionals. With a network of 2,000 industry professionals, MAFA Chicago provides invaluable resources to aid in career growth and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/mafachicago.